Johanna raises an issue that is near-and-dear to us private practitioners.  
Mothers seeking consults by phone or e-mail present honest challenges.  It 
is difficult to assess what one cannot see.  But as professionals who earn a 
living by charging fees for our professional expertise, these calls are 
truly "risky business" since Mom often wants the advice for free.

I have a standard message I send when I receive inquiries by e-mail.  I 
paraphrase it when Mom is on the phone.  Please freely use and adapt this 
language to suit your needs.

"Thank you for your e-mail regarding your [BF issue].

"The ethics of my profession, and my business practices as a private 
practitioner, require that you be a client of mine before I discuss your 
specific situation.  Moms I see as an International Board Certified 
Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) sign a consent form, to show they understand 
that I will send a report to their health care provider after the visit, and 
that they will pay me for the time I spend in consultation and follow-up.

"I suggest you schedule a consult with an IBCLC in your area.  (I live in 
Wyndmoor, PA, just outside Philadelphia.)  Discuss beforehand the fees for a 
home visit or a telephone consultation, and insurance coverage (if any).  
You can visit the International Lactation Consultant Association website at 
www.ilca.org, and click the button for “Find a Lactation Consultant.”  If 
you feel your needs can be met by a mother-to-mother counselor, you can find 
a La Leche League Leader near you by calling 1-800-LaLecheUS."


Liz Brooks, JD, IBCLC
Wyndmoor, PA, USA

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